Thailand, part 1

12/11/06, 11:30 A.M. Local time

What a difference a day makes.

We begin the morning being racially profiled. As we queue up to board the Air India flight to Bangkok, we walk up to the attendant gate where an Indian Military agent stands. After he allows the preceding dozen passengers pass without any hesitation, the agent stops us with his hand with a resounding "No!". When asked why, he simply states "Bag Tag!" Supposedly, not having an Air India bag tag on our carry-on luggage is a threat to their national security. He marches us back through the airport as we are on a wild goose chase to find these bag tags. Meanwhile, countless more Indian nationals board the flight with no bag tags on their carry-ons. Goodbye from India, don't let the door hit you on the way out.

After getting frisked and hassled in the early morning, the arrival into Thailand is a breath of fresh air. From the minute we land into Bangkok and walk off the plane, I begin to appreciate the marvels of a modern city. There are clean toilets, food courts, and beautiful smiling women.

Thailand is a country where pleasure is top priority. Even disagreements or stressful situations are accompanied by smiles. In Asian culture, I'm told it is impolite to express anger. That is why I see so many Thai people laughing so much. They're laughing away any lingering frustrations in their body.

We take the metered taxi into the Banglampu district of Bangkok. This, being the tourist district, has all the creature comforts of home. There is modern music, food of all types, pharmacies that sell dental floss, and central air.

The main road of this district is Ko San Road. When walking down this road, I begin to see more white people than Thai people. I'll gladly take this night of relaxation after enduring a 3 hour night's sleep in Delhi accompanied by horn honking and lizards. Tomorrow, we are going to the island of Ko Tao by a combination of bus and boat. After that, our future is unknown for a while. I think it will involve white sand, ocean water, a beverage and a hammock. Here is to the future. I'll see you in a few days to tell you about it.

-Travelling Sherman